Applying for DVM/PhD program

[H and D]

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I am just beginning the thought process about applying for a DVM/phD program in another year.

I am wondering if there is anyone on this forum who is either currently in a program or applied this cycle and doesn't mind me picking their brain. I know the programs are very competitive and I am wondering if my stats measure up and if there are areas I need to strengthen before I apply. Also wondering if I can get more info in general on the application process as well as the life of a dvm/phd student.

I can provide more information on myself if needed.

Thanks so much!

PS I did try and search this topic but came up with nothing?

 

[AuburnPreVet]

I'm sure others will be of more help than I... but I do have one comment.

There are a number of schools who allow you to apply to the dual PhD program during your first year of vet school - so, if for whatever reason you don't get into one of the big DVM/PhD programs - there is still hope. The only program I know well is Auburn's - you apply for the PhD program while in your first year of the DVM program - and you can insert 1-2 extra years between years 2 and 3 of the DVM to focus on your research etc.

And, there is also the possibility of doing a MS or PhD with your residency post-doctorally...

This really isn't what you asked - but, I'm sure someone will be able to help you. 😀

 

[aussieprevet]

Make sure you talk to an admissions officer before applying to a school. When I was looking at programs, there were quite a few that said they had a DVM/PhD program on their website. When I actually talked to the admissions office, though, I was told that the program was non-existent or was discouraged from even applying because of lack of any real structure and support.

I'm sure others will be of more help than I... but I do have one comment.

There are a number of schools who allow you to apply to the dual PhD program during your first year of vet school - so, if for whatever reason you don't get into one of the big DVM/PhD programs - there is still hope. The only program I know well is Auburn's - you apply for the PhD program while in your first year of the DVM program - and you can insert 1-2 extra years between years 2 and 3 of the DVM to focus on your research etc.

And, there is also the possibility of doing a MS or PhD with your residency post-doctorally...

This really isn't what you asked - but, I'm sure someone will be able to help you. 😀

 

[ckitten]

When I actually talked to the admissions office, though, I was told that the program was non-existent or was discouraged from even applying because of lack of any real structure and support.

I talked about this with one of my interviewers and had this reaction. I'm interested in the phd/residency combo.

 

[wildfocus]

I am just beginning the thought process about applying for a DVM/phD program in another year.

I am wondering if there is anyone on this forum who is either currently in a program or applied this cycle and doesn't mind me picking their brain. I know the programs are very competitive and I am wondering if my stats measure up and if there are areas I need to strengthen before I apply. Also wondering if I can get more info in general on the application process as well as the life of a dvm/phd student.

I can provide more information on myself if needed.

Thanks so much!

PS I did try and search this topic but came up with nothing?

i applied to three dual degree programs this year, and just found out i was accepted to one of them (csu). check out a similar thread from a while ago. good luck, and pm me if you want to get down to the nitty gritty of any of the schools i listed on my post...

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=365852

 

[H and D]

Make sure you talk to an admissions officer before applying to a school. When I was looking at programs, there were quite a few that said they had a DVM/PhD program on their website. When I actually talked to the admissions office, though, I was told that the program was non-existent or was discouraged from even applying because of lack of any real structure and support.

I am surprised/discouraged to hear this...guess I will really need to do my homework before applying.

 

[H and D]

Can anyone recommend a short list of good schools/programs to look in to?

Thanks!

 

[wildfocus]

Can anyone recommend a short list of good schools/programs to look in to?

Thanks!

H&D - what is it you want to do? each school has its strengths and weaknesses. but, i looked into almost all the dual programs and may be able to help... or do you mean schools/programs for dvm only?

 

[hoodle]

This is a very selfish list, but here's where I'll be applying for the dual degrees: (note that I eliminate most schools in the south or middle of the country - that's a personal bias)

Cornell
Penn
Wisconsin
Davis
NCSU
CSU
maybe Tufts

 

[wildfocus]

This is a very selfish list, but here's where I'll be applying for the dual degrees: (note that I eliminate most schools in the south or middle of the country - that's a personal bias)

Cornell
Penn
Wisconsin
Davis
NCSU
CSU
maybe Tufts

these are the same ones i looked into....

hoodle - just an fyi on davis program. the admissions director told me that current students are more competitive than new dvm applicants - from another person, i heard they offered to only 2 students total this year (i'm assuming they were current - but don't know for sure).

tufts - you can do a joint; the phd is done with U Mass or in the Sackler School of Grad Biomed Sciences

 

[H and D]

H&D - what is it you want to do? each school has its strengths and weaknesses. but, i looked into almost all the dual programs and may be able to help... or do you mean schools/programs for dvm only?

I am looking for schools with an established dvm/phd program that can be done concurrently (versus first dvm then phd).

Not entirely sure what my research focus maybe. At this point I am thinking about equine or food animal research. Maybe something that focuses on disease. Again this is very preliminary thinking.

My in state school is Minnesota so that will be #1 on my list. I am looking for other options besides MN.

I was looking at Cornell's website and it looked like a strong program but also very competitive. Not sure my stats are good enough for that level.

I am also wondering what kind of backgrounds they are looking for in applicants to these programs. I have a fair amount of clinic exposure and currently work in animal based research (includes direct surgical experience).

 

[texlaevis]

that's funny-- when i emailed wisconsin about the possibility of doing a joint degree program there they told me they did not have a formal program. research is great there, but they said the best opportunities for research would be taking a year off from the vet curriculum (for a stipend but no degree) or trying to figure out how to do a dual dvm phd with no vet tuition relief and basically no support resources. where did you get that info, hoodle?

i know uiuc has a dual degree program, but it's really tough to find info on it. they told me there was stuff online but i didn't find anything very helpful. i'm a little out of the loop because, although i'm interested in continuing down the research track i've been on, i didn't end up applying to dual programs.